Factors that lead to ill health are bad feeding, weaning too early, overcrowding, failing to quarantine sick animals, purchasing from an unsuitable source, handling diseased rabbits before handling healthy rabbits, dirty hutches, failure to eliminate rats and mice, failure to prevent draughts and allowing rain into hutches.
COMMON AILMENTS....
- WEEPY EYES
This is usually bacterial infection of the eyelids, usually caused by dirt or dust, and is easily treated with antibiotic eyedrops or ointments obtained from your local veterinarian.
- SNUFFLES AND COLDS
Similar to a cold in humans and usually characterised by sneezing, watery eyes and a nasal discharge. The front feet may become soiled and matted by rubbing the nose with the inside of the front paws. This complaint may sometimes be cured by placing water soluble antibiotic (obtained from your veterinarian) in the water bowl.
- SCRATCHES AND CUTS
Any cuts or scratches should be cleaned immediately and treated with sulphate ointment or powder. Deep puncture holes or severe lacerations should be attended by a veterinarian.
- SCOURS OR DIARRHOEA
Usually attributed to over feeding of green food. Must be treated early as in severe cases it is usually fatal. Seek veterinary advice urgently.
- MYXOMATOSIS
Carried by mosquitoes. Cover cages with gauze wire to prevent infection.
The symptoms are a soft swelling in the region around the eyes, base of the ears and sometimes elsewhere on the body. There may be discharge from the eyes and nose. Infected animals should be painlessly destroyed by a veterinary surgeon as recovery is extremely rare.
You should always:
- Give your rabbit a toy to keep her/him occupied
- Let her/him have time to run around every once in a while
- Clean her/his cage at least 2 - 3 times a week, or whenever it needs it
- Clip your rabbit's nails monthly
- Give your bunny something to chew on, which diverts your bunny's chewing habits from that expensive new couch you got last month
- And always give your rabbit lots of love!!!
Don'ts
- Don't try to fully bathe your rabbit
- Don't chase your rabbit (to catch her/him) after letting your bunny out
- Don't hold your rabbit in an incorrect manner (they are very delicate creatures)
- Don't give your rabbit greens that aren't fresh
- Don't feed him/her a strictly kibble (or vegetable) diet or give him/her a sudden change in diet.
- Don't neglect to give your rabbit a constant supply of fresh water and hay, which is important for their digestive system
- Don't strike or shout at your rabbit if he/she has misbehaved, rabbits don't understand this kind of punishment
- And don't ever go a day without cuddling with your bunny and spending quality time with him/her for a lasting companionship!
